Overview

The Japanese programme at Western Michigan University provides students with a deep immersion into the linguistic and cultural heritage of Japan. This undergraduate degree is designed to build fluency while fostering a sophisticated understanding of the nation's historical and contemporary societal frameworks.

Why Japanese at Western Michigan University?

Students benefit from the resources of the Michitoshi Soga Japan Center, which hosts numerous cultural events and activities. The university maintains strong partnerships with exchange institutions in Japan, and learners are highly encouraged to participate in study abroad opportunities to enhance their linguistic skills. Additionally, the Japan Club offers a vibrant community for peer engagement and extracurricular cultural exploration.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 20525 per year
National fee: USD 20525 per year
Local fee: USD 16449 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum balances core language acquisition with the study of literature and history. Modules may include:

Japanese Language
Japanese Life and Culture
Modern and Classical Japanese Literature
Contemporary Japanese Literature
Advanced Literary Readings
Comparative Religion
Political Science
History

Careers with Japanese

Graduates are prepared for diverse international roles across various sectors, including global business, government, and education. The skills gained through this degree allow alumni to pursue careers in both the public and private sectors, often acting as vital links between different cultures. Common career paths and industries include:

International Banking and Finance
Diplomatic Service and Intelligence
Translation and Interpretation
English Language Instruction in Japan
Media, Journalism, and Publishing
Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality
Museum Curation and Arts Administration
Non-governmental and Charitable Organisations
State and Federal Government Agencies

Specific job titles held by former students include cultural officer, customs official, filmmaker, foreign correspondent, and university professor. The programme's emphasis on communication and analytical thinking ensures that graduates are versatile candidates in the global job market.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Japanese

Japanese Life and Culture

Close Reading in Contemporary Japanese

Close Reading in Modern and Classical Japanese

Advanced Japanese Language

Advanced Literary Readings in Japanese

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00

Language

Partially taught in English, Partially taught in Japanese

Duolingo English Test

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Kalamazoo, United States

Disciplines

Language Studies Asian studies View 504 other Bachelors in Asian studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Copy of passport identification page

Proof of English language proficiency

Complete high school or post-secondary education transcripts

$100 non-refundable application fee

Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to estimated cost of attendance

ACT or SAT Scores

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20525 USD / year

≈ 20525 USD / year
Out-of-State

20525 USD / year

≈ 20525 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16449 USD / year

≈ 16449 USD / year

Additional Details

Local Summer Tuition: $4,112; International Summer Tuition: $5,140

Living costs

Kalamazoo

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Japanese.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Kalamazoo

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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